Portuguese Wine

Portuguese Wines from Great Wines Direct

Portuguese wine has long been a staple on supermarket shelves and has also been around for centuries having been introduced to the region by some of the most ancient civilisations like the Greeks, Carthaginians, Phoenicians and Romans.

During the time of the Roman Empire, Portugal had first begun exporting wines to Rome, although the modern wine export industry began in 1703 following the Methuen Treaty.

It was as a result of this treaty and the subsequent wine trade with England that many different varieties of wine began to be cultivated here. Today, there are two UNESCO protected wine producing regions in Portugal – the Pico Island region and the Douro Valley region. There are many local kinds of wines, all with their own distinctive personalities.

For many years, wine has been one of Portugal's most noteworthy exports, and today it is the 7th biggest wine exporter in the world in terms of value.

Its Vinho Verde region is well known and is located in the country's north west area. It took its name from the fact that the grapes used to make wine in this region are green, or under-ripe. Today, wines from this region are the most exported of all Portuguese wines following Port. White wines are most popular, however Portugal also produces some good reds and, occasionally, roses. The Vinho Alvarinho is one especially notable variety with a higher alcohol content which can only be produced under EU law in one small Monaco sub region.

While once thought of as bitter tasting, Douro wines come from the region that is best known for its port wines. However, they are now becoming more popular thanks to their similar traits to the port that is cultivated nearby.

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Red 14

Santo Isidro de Pegoes, Peninsula de Setubal, Touriga Nacional 2021 75cl £16.07

Flavours of black cherry with herbs, vanilla, big and rich with a spicy and robust finish

Red 12.5

Quinta Do Crasto Altitude 430 Tinta Francisca and Touriga Nacional 2022 75cl £16.49

Garnet in colour, with an expressive nose of red fruit notes, perfectly balanced by delicate forest and fine spice aromas Easy and approachable from the first sip, the character develops on the palate into a wine of excellent volume and fine texture This embodies all the freshness and elegance that the Tinta Francisca and Touriga Nacional grapes deliver when planted at an altitude of 430 metres, in a vineyard with a north-facing aspect: seductively soft, with restrained alcohol and a fresh, elegant finish

Red 14

Quinta Do Crasto Douro Old Vines Reserva 2022 75cl | Great Wines Direct

Quinta Do Crasto Douro Old Vines Reserva 2022 75cl £28.26

Hugely complex, this wine has concentrated aromas and flavours, married to wonderful freshness. It is lively and juicy – like biting into a just-ripe cherry that bursts in your mouth – and yet is far from straightforward, with intriguing nuances of spices, Mediterranean herbs, olives and well-integrated oak. This is irresistible now – and even better if you decant it first – but if you can, keep some bottles back for 25 or even 10 years, as it has both the guts and the balance to gain even more complexity with time.

White 10

Cintila White, Peninsula de Setubal 2024 75cl £9.12

Cintila White from Peninsula de Setúbal represents a refined expression of Portugal's coastal wine region. This vintage showcases the distinctive character of Setúbal's maritime terroir, where Atlantic influences shape crisp, mineral-driven whites. Expect bright citrus and stone fruit aromatics with a clean, refreshing palate. A versatile addition to any serious wine collection seeking authentic Portuguese quality at an accessible price point. An intense, fruity aroma and a creamy mouthfeel with a hint of peach and ginger

White 12

Cintila, Extra Dry, Peninsula de Setubal NV 75cl £11.50

Cintila Extra Dry is a crisp, mineral-driven sparkling wine from Portugal's Peninsula de Setubal region, crafted with precision and restraint. This NV bottling showcases bright citrus and green apple notes with a fine, persistent mousse. The extra-dry classification delivers subtle residual sweetness that balances acidity without cloying. A versatile, food-friendly choice that represents excellent value for everyday celebrations and entertaining. An enticing aroma of tropical fruit complemented by a soft and rounded flavour through to an appealing off-dry finish

Red 14

Pegoes, 'Vinhas de Pegoes' Touriga Nacional 2023 75cl £12.86

Pegoes' Vinhas de Pegoes showcases the depth and structure of Portugal's signature Touriga Nacional varietal. This vintage delivers dark fruit intensity, blackberry and plum, with subtle spice and mineral undertones characteristic of the Tejo region. Medium-bodied with refined tannins and good acidity. A compelling expression of terroir-driven winemaking at an approachable price point. A bold and opulent wine with aromas of blueberry, plum and blackberry compote with toasty oak spice leading to a richly flavoured palate with a long finish

Red 13

'Vale de Mata' Red, Lisboa 2023 75cl £17.87

A fresh red showing its cooler climate origin in lively red fruits and a mineral character tinged with dark chocolate and liquorice notes

White 13

Pegoes, Adega de Pegoes 'Selected Harvest White', Peninsula de Setubal 2023 75cl £12.40

Waxy aromas of orange blossom are followed by a rich and opulent flavour of peach melba with a touch of ginger, creamy and elegant

White 11

Quinta da Lixa QL Loureiro 2024 75cl £8.46

"Floral, fresh and zingy with fruity notes A well-balanced wine with a delightfully long finish "

Red 14

Quinta Do Crasto Old Vines Reserva Half Bottle 2022 37.5cl | Great Wines Direct

Quinta Do Crasto Old Vines Reserva Half Bottle 2022 37.5cl £15.54

Hugely complex, this wine has concentrated aromas and flavours, married to wonderful freshness It is lively and juicy - like biting into a just-ripe cherry that bursts in your mouth - and yet is far from straighforward, with intriguing nuances of spices, Mediterranean herbs, olives and well-integrated oak This is irresistible now - and even better if you decant it first - but if you can, keep some bottles back for 257or even 10 years, as it has both the guts and the balance to gain even more complexity with time

Red 14

Pegoes 'Selected Harvest Red' 2021 75cl £18.07

Pegoes 'Selected Harvest Red' is a carefully curated blend from Portugal's Pegoes estate, which showcases the producer's commitment to quality fruit selection and traditional winemaking. The wine balances ripe dark fruit with subtle structure, delivering approachable complexity without pretension. Ideal for everyday enjoyment or as an introduction to Portuguese reds, it is a reliable choice for those seeking authentic character at a fair price point. A richly flavoured wine with a velvety texture, full of spicy chocolate and herbal savoury flavours

Red 20

Quinta Do Crasto LBV Port 2017 75cl £22.76

This late bottled Vintage shows brooding black cherry fruit with a huge cedary core A straightforward wine with a fine dark colour, ripe and mouth filling and rounded off by sweet finish

White 13

Pegoes 'Selected Harvest White' 2024 75cl £12.91

Pegoes 'Selected Harvest White' is a contemporary Portuguese white wine crafted from carefully selected parcels across the estate's finest vineyard blocks. This vintage captures the freshness and mineral character typical of Portugal's Setúbal Peninsula, delivering crisp acidity and subtle stone fruit notes. This food-friendly expression pairs effortlessly with seafood, light poultry, and Mediterranean cuisine. A refined choice for everyday enjoyment or as an introduction to Portugal's emerging white wine credentials. Waxy aromas of orange blossom are followed by a rich and opulent flavour of peach melba with a touch of ginger, creamy and elegant

White 12

'Vale de Mata' White, Lisboa 2024 75cl £17.56

A refreshing white wine with fine mineral notes and oak spice surrounding a core of citrus and stone fruits fruit, all leading to a mouthwatering finish

Red 12.5

Pegoes, 'Santo Isidro Red', Peninsula de Setubal NV 75cl £10.01

Juicy notes of red damsons and plums, soft and easy drinking

Red 11

Cintila Red, Peninsula de Setubal 2024 75cl £9.55

Cintila Red hails from Portugal's Península de Setúbal, a region celebrated for bold, characterful reds. This vintage showcases the region's signature depth and structure, delivering ripe dark fruit with subtle spice and earthy undertones. The wine balances power with elegance, making it equally suited to serious food pairing or contemplative sipping. A compelling choice for those seeking authentic Portuguese character without pretension. A juicy, plummy and vanilla wine, soft and easy-drinking